b'GOVERNMENT RELATIONSGOVERNMENT RELATIONS UPDATEBY JIM WILKINSONT hroughout the pandemic, SIAC has been adapting to thisto accommodate to unique building configurations. The new environment and advocating with the governmentMinistrys concern is when systems scaffold is customized by on behalf of our members. We have been activelyusing components from other types of scaffold. If no engineered ensuring that the scaffold and access industry is able to continuedesign drawing and/or manufacturers installation instructions our advocacy efforts, even as we fight through the second and thirdfor the customized application of the system scaffold is waves of COVID-19. available for the workers to follow, the scaffold may be erected We encourage you to look up your local public health authoritiesin such a way that it would not be capable of supporting the for information on rules and advice.required loads. To receive the most up-to-date information on whats happeningThe Ministry does not wish to impose unnecessary costs or in the scaffold and access industry and the latest COVID-19delays to employers; however, we want to ensure that the developments, visit www.siac-ontario.com and sign up for ourpotential hazard to workers safety is reasonably addressed. email newsletter. Going forward, if no design drawing and/or manufacturers installation instructions exist for the customized application of SCAFFOLD AND ACCESS EQUIPMENT SECTOR COMMITTEE a system scaffold, an inspector may issue a requirement under section 54(1)(m) of OHSA to have the employer engage a SIAC has participated in two meetings of the Scaffold and Accessprofessional engineer to verify the scaffold is capable to support Equipment Sector Committee, a partnership between SIAC andall applied loads. Alternatively, the employer can provide a the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA), to discussletter from the manufacturer of the specific scaffold to verify several top-of-mind issues for our members. The committee hasthat the setup is suitable for its intended use. given SIAC a foot in the door on decision-making and allows us to better advocate for members interests. Sincerely, Brian BarronADVOCACY ON REGULATION 213/91 S.130 (A) Senior ManagerAfter extensive advocacy on behalf of our members, SIAC is veryConstruction Health and Safety Program pleased to report that we were able to work collaboratively withOccupational Health & Safety Branch Ontarios Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills DevelopmentOntarios Ministry of Labour,(MLTSD) to resolve an issue that has impacted our members forTraining and Skills Development (MLTSD)some time. SIAC NEEDS ANALYSIS SUBMISSION TO IHSA ON S.139SIAC had requested clarification on whether all system scaffoldingSIAC has prepared a draft needs analysis submission on behalf of installations require engineering above 10 m, as is the requirementour members to the IHSA relating toOntario Regulation 242/16 for tube and clamp. We are excited to share that the industry and(Amending O. Reg. 213/91), s.139, which we havebeenadvocating government have reached an agreement that s.130 (1) b. is noton for some time.After sharing the submission with members, it applicable to standard system scaffold installations. has now been presented and is under review with the Scaffold and Please see below the official response from Ontarios Ministry ofAccess Equipment Sector Committee.Labour, Training and Skills Development: ONTARIOS FIVE-YEAR REVIEW OF THE WORKING AT The Ministry recognizes that subsection 130(1)(b) appliesHEIGHTS PROGRAMto tube and clamp scaffolding and does not reference systemOntarios Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) has made a commitment scaffold specifically. However, system scaffold is similar totoreview the Working at Heights training program and provider tube and clamp in that it is designed to be flexible in orderstandards every five years. The review intends to ensure the CPOs 8THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SCAFFOLD INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA'